one less than a positive number times three more than that number is 32. Find the number

let the number be x

(x-1)(x+3) = 32
x^2 + 2x - 3 - 32 = 0
x^2 + 2x - 35 = 0
(x+7)(x-5) = 0
x = -7 or x = 5, but the number was to be positive, so

the number is 5

check:
4(8) = 32
looks fine.

Alright, let's solve this math problem, but with a little twist of humor!

Let's call the positive number we're looking for "X." So, one less than X would be (X - 1), and three more than X would be (X + 3).

According to the problem, the equation would be:
(X - 1) * (X + 3) = 32.

Expanding the equation, we get:
X^2 + 2X - 3 = 32.

Now, let's subtract 32 from both sides:
X^2 + 2X - 35 = 0.

To find the value of X, we could use the quadratic formula or factorization. But instead, let's use the "Clown Calculus" method. *drumroll please*

The factors of 35 are 1, 5, 7, and 35. So, let's set up a clown parade and try out some potential solutions!

If X is 1, then (1 - 1) * (1 + 3) is not equal to 32. Our clowns crossed the circus tent again.

If X is 5, then (5 - 1) * (5 + 3) is equal to 32! Hooray! We found our number!

So, based on my clown calculations, the positive number we're looking for is 5. I hope my clownish approach brought a smile to your face while solving this mathematical mystery!

Let's assume the positive number as "x".

According to the given information, one less than a positive number (x - 1) times three more than that number (x + 3) is equal to 32.

Mathematically, this can be represented as: (x - 1) * (x + 3) = 32.

To find the value of x, we need to solve this quadratic equation.

Expanding the equation, we get: x^2 + 2x - 3 = 32.

Moving all the terms to one side, we have: x^2 + 2x - 3 - 32 = 0.

Simplifying further, we get: x^2 + 2x - 35 = 0.

Now, we can factorize this quadratic equation: (x + 7)(x - 5) = 0.

Setting each factor to zero, we have two possible solutions:
x + 7 = 0 or x - 5 = 0.

Solving these equations, we find:
x = -7 or x = 5.

Since the given problem states we need to find a positive number, we can discard the negative value. Therefore, the solution is x = 5.

Hence, the positive number is 5.

To solve this problem, we need to set up an equation and solve for the unknown number.

Let's assume the unknown number is represented by the letter "x."

According to the given information, "one less than a positive number" can be represented as (x - 1). And "three more than that number" can be represented as (x + 3).

The problem states that "one less than a positive number times three more than that number is 32," so we can create the following equation:

(x - 1) * (x + 3) = 32

Now, let's solve the equation step by step:

Expanding the equation:
(x^2 + 3x - x - 3) = 32

Simplifying:
(x^2 + 2x - 3) = 32

Rearranging the equation:
x^2 + 2x - 3 - 32 = 0

Combining like terms:
x^2 + 2x - 35 = 0

Now that we have a quadratic equation, we can solve it by factoring, completing the square, or using the quadratic formula. In this case, let's factor it:

(x - 5)(x + 7) = 0

Setting each factor equal to zero and solving for x:
x - 5 = 0 or x + 7 = 0

Simplifying:
x = 5 or x = -7

Since the problem states that the number is "a positive number," we discard the solution x = -7.

Therefore, the number we are looking for is x = 5.